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The good doctor wanted to help people. Stubborn, pessimistic, gruff as he was, Marco still wanted to help others at the end of the day. Perhaps the reason why his guardian had chosen him. For all his bark, he would never bite. Marco was a secret bleeding heart for the ill or infirm. Sometimes it was a simple a thing as sitting and hearing that a man needed to help his wife with her pains as she was driving him up a wall. Other times it was helping an elderly woman with her walk. Marcos cared, at least in part.

So when he heard the cough of a young man in a shop, Marco’s head snapped up, looking for the source. Pains were one thing, but a cough could spread, especially if it was something serious. There was no reason aside from negligence for Marco to not make the offer to help, or at least get the man in a less enclosed place. Hell, it might have just been dust. Though… the cough came hard, from deep in the chest. Even at a distance it sounded like a cold or something deeper and more lasting. The shop was for small and cramped, and with so many people milling about, looking at all the discounted wares? It was a breeding ground for a cold to spread.

Finding the young man with the cough, Marco put a hand on his shoulder. “Pardon the intrusion but you seem to have a rather nasty cough.” He motioned towards the door leading outside. “Maybe a fresh breath of air would help you.”

Yeah just shake him off. No big deal. Marco was used to that action. You were the big man after all, you didn’t need help or pity, your manly aura would heal you, sure sure. Marco was making all the assumptions. Bundled or not, a cough was a cough and it was a bad idea to spread it in such a place. The Sarcasm was met with a strained smile as Marco sighed. This was going to be a fun one, he could just tell. “Indeed, being a doctor requires a certain level of awareness to one’s surroundings.” Smile, maybe the man would bend. Probably not, but it didn’t help to try.

Waiting in line he could understand, as well- it was a rather long line, and when you needed something, it was a pain in the arse to get out of the line after waiting only to return and be forced to go to the back. “Maybe someone can hold your spot in line? Or perhaps someone might be able to get the roots for you? Your cough is rather nasty if you don’t mine me saying. I’d hate for it to spread to others.” A few people shied away as he mentioned that. No one wanted to get infected. Plague was rare, but no unheard of. No one liked the idea that a cold could spread, infect- paranoia was so irrational.

Marco just knew so long as it was handled, no one had anything to worry about. “I have a medical kit with me. I might be able to help you.”

Marco rolled his eyes at the comment about bossing people around. This was not the time, nor the place. He could feel Somnium nearby, sending him small bits of worry, reminding him that no, fighting was bad, don’t do it. Really, he wasn’t looking for a fight but- “As a man trained to help the infirm, ill, and possibly dying, yes, it does me a margin of right to boss people around. Thus far, I’ve only given you suggestions however. If you feel that I am ordering you, then allow me to sincerely apologize.” His sincerity was lost under a sea of sarcasm.

A sigh however as Somnium- he could practically feel the stare of the buck in the back of his head. Really, Marco was terrible with these sorts of things. Given the list and the money, he relaxed as the man waited outside the shop, Marco left to get what was needed. The list was run down and- Herbal remedies, things to help sooth but- The doctor checked the few spare coins he had, getting a few extra things for the man’s list. Help with inflamed tissue, something to aid in fighting off infection, it was a bit here and there, but some things were bound to help rather than none at all.

It took longer to get everything, but while he did so, Somnium was busy, shying scooting up to the bundled up man. The guardian hand the medical pack strapped to him, and gave a small snort to the man before simply standing next to him. By the time Marco exited the store- “Somnium, what are you doing?” The guardian have his chosen a look of innocence. He’d done nothing just keep an eye on the sick man and making sure he didn’t die.

Somnium gave a small nod when Marco was called Bossy Pants. No use to deny the truth. The buck didn’t sense the other, but, he was more focused in making sure Marco’s newest patient didn’t tip over. Experience and Marco’s reaction to people randomly falling over had taught the guardian that falling over people was a really bad sign. So when Eaton stumbled, the guardian was quick to send waves of concern at Marco, blue eyes pleading to help the man. At least before Orpheus showed up and asserted himself into the group. Hooves shuffled as the speckled buck went to Marco’s side, mindful of the pack on his back.

Marco just rolled his eyes. It would figure that the one he’d run into and decided to aid would be another chosen. For all his bark, Marco lacked a distinctive bite. Malice was done with not holding when poking a prodding, no warning when a pill would taste terrible, or when something would hurt. His bite was passive aggressive at best. “I see that you’re taken care of.” A snort, he held up a receipt as well as a bag with what had been on the list.. and then some. “But it wasn’t an issue. You’ve got the making for several remedies, but I’ve taken the liberty to add a few things. Including a compress that you can heat and put across your chest at night. Open up the airways.” Somnium gave a nudge before looking to the medical pack. “Yes, Somnium, I will get to that shortly.” He’d refuel his supplies in a bit.

“Marco Rossi. If you have time I can give you a bit of a once over and see if your cough is as bad as it sounds. If you’re suffering infection…” He trailed off. Worst possible cases ran through his head. Hopefully it wasn’t. Knowing Marco’s luck it probably was.

The doctor held up his hand and shook his head. He didn’t often do acts of kindness, but a little kindness went a long way, especially when someone seemed stubborn. It also helped to gloss over Marco’s attitude. “It’s alright. Consider it.. a small gift or sort. Primary care. Passing good will? Frankly it’s alright. Nothing was highly expensive, not even the compress.” A smirk. “Doctors also get a discount by the way. Frequent customers too as well. Both help with these sorts of things.” Somnium snorted in disapproval. Abuse of power, for shame Marco, for shame.

“Marco. Dr. Rossi is what I make the paying customers call me. Which mostly applies to nobles. They’re always formal.” Said the son of a lord. The coughing fit had Marco reaching out, one hand to the man’s back, the other to the front of his chest. “Do you feel a pressure in your chest? Any sharp pains?”The white buck got a look of acceptance, glad that someone thought for the better of the pair. “And trades are fine if you insist. As for biting.” He looked at Somnium, who was suddenly very interested in the flowers. Oh look some herbs, he was just going to go much on a few of those don’t mind him, he never nips or bit anyone, Marco stop giving the wrong idea.

The doctor rolled his eyes. “A bruise helps no one. We can head over to a tavern and they should let me use a room for free. Heated, somewhat clean. Can get you a room if need be for the night.”

Marco was fine with being leaned on. He’d suffered worse things than someone wanting another person to lean on. Gods above he wanted to do it himself sometimes. Sadly- He had Somnium. A doctor couldn’t afford to rely on others too much. Marco couldn’t afford to stop moving, stop working. He was a self made man in some ways- and in many born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Marco was just a child of luck and chance. A bit of hard work thrown in. Holding the man up, Marcos begn to lead him to one of the less rowdy places not too far off. “It’s a hit and miss normally. Again, doctor so they often let me use the good rooms for a little less. Or I give them a check up- tit for tat. We’ll get you next to a fire if need be.” If the man had a chill, it could be something worse, or it was just a cold and the weather not helping. Soon enough the season’s chill would start getting into the bones as the saying went.

Looking at Orpheus, the doctor sighed, always feeling a bit awkward when speaking to a guardian. Well, one that wasn’t Somnium. “They might not let you in, so try to behave to win them over. Somnium, that goes for you- Oh hell. Stop that.” The speckled buck was munching on some flowers, looking up as if in shock. Time to go? Fine by him. Trailing behind the doctor, the walk was slow, but not long.

“Do you have a history of these types of colds? Anything in the family?” He rubbed the man’s back, trying to keep him from dozing yet… possibly not helping in the same vein. Under it all he cared. A bit. “Once we sort it out we can discuss trivialities.” Like trade or pay. Somnium got those thoughts as rolled his eyes, giving his chosen a nudge.

Marco sighed as the man went back into another coughing fit. He was hardly well, and if he could, he would have carried him just to ease the man but- Marco was not that strong to carry for a distance without dire need. Maybe if it was an emergency, but this was just a bad cough and a poor health. It was needless. “No family. Or non with these things.. Not sure if one is good or bad.” He wouldn’t pry but if one didn’t have it might not be a family trait in the least. Maybe. It was a far guess given no others offered to give evidence.

Lips in a thin line, Marco shook his head at Eaton. “The tavern. I can’t in sound mind or judgment let you hit the road in this condition. Besides, we’re here.” The tavern was as promised, warm, clean, and speaking to the owner, Marco thought it best to have them help. “Yes draw a warm bath, have an extra basin of water brought up along with an empty pail. If you have any spare blankets that would be lovely. Oh, and hot broth for the man. I’ll pay whatever charges are needed.” The owners were quick to make ready on the doctor’s requests, said doctor who looking back to Eaton frowned.

“You’re ill, and need rest, among other things. A warm bath, some broth, and bed rest. With any luck in a few hours you might be able to stand on your own. In the meantime I’ll work on something to help you body fight what ails it.” Concern laced his tone. “You can’t safely make it on the road, even with a guardian. Please, just rest for now.”